It appears that Mitsubishi is planning major updates and it will concentrate on developing small cars that can be sold worldwide. But this is bad news as the future is uncertain for some models which Mitsubishi currently builds in the United States, such as the Galant, Endeavor and Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder.

Mitsubishi is planning to introduce a small car in the United States by 2012, but until this, the manufacturer plans no model changes or additions other than what has been announced, and we speak about the Outlander Sport which will make its debut this fall and the i-MiEV electric vehicle, expected in late 2011.

According to Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President Osamu Masuko, the Japanese manufacturer would take a decision by year end what to build in the future at its Normal, Ill., plant. This factory is currently producing the Galant, Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder and Endeavor--all based on the aging PS platform.

There are few details regarding the new global small car which will make its debut by the end of 2012 as a 2013 model: it is expected to carry 1 1.0- to 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine and will be priced under $12,000.

Regarding the Outlander Sport, this compact crossover will go on sale this fall and will have the same wheelbases as the Outlander, but will be shorter narrower and lower than is big brother.

The Outlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 but the new car is expected to drop this engine in favor of a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found on the Lancer. [via AutoWeek]